3/30/07 Weekly Report: UH Medical School Will Begin Family Doctor Training in Hilo; Ho`ea Ea: Return to Freedom: A Food Sovereignty Conference June 14-17

Amid the mounting health care crisis on Hawai`i Island, the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) has announced a new strategy to provide family physicians for rural and underserved areas across the state. The strategy involves family doctor residency training in Hilo, following the logic that doctors tend to practice in the geographic area where they complete their residency training. The following information is courtesy of Gregg Takayama, communications director at UH Medical School.

“Jump start” funds from HMSA to get the project rolling

The major initial funding from the HMSA Foundation will provide $535,000 over the next three years to “jump start” the residency program in Hilo. More than $300,000 will be budgeted for the coming fiscal year.

The U.S. Congress approved $500,000 in 2006 to contribute toward establishing a Neighbor Island residency program, under an appropriation sponsored by Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

The aim: to address the health care crisis on the Neighbor Islands

Gary Ostrander, the interim dean of the UH Medical School, acknowledged the crisis in medical care on our Neighbor Islands and rural areas caused by a shortage of physicians.

“The substantial award we are receiving from the Hawaii Medical Services Association helps solve the problem by enabling us to move a portion of our graduate medical education programs – known as medical residencies -- to the Neighbor Islands, beginning in Hilo,” Ostrander said.

Physicians will begin doing residencies in Hilo for the first time as the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine expands the Family Medicine Residency program, the HMSA Foundation funding.

“By enabling us to train physicians on the Neighbor Islands, we are opening a path for them to open practices and live on our Neighbor Islands,” Ostrander said.

HMSA Foundation to provide major initial funding for residency program in Hilo

“The HMSA Foundation is pleased to provide this funding for a Family Medicine Residency program in Hilo because it highlights our belief that challenges are best resolved when all segments of the health care community work together to solve problems,” said Cliff Cisco, vice president of the HMSA Foundation.

The JABSOM Rural Family Medicine Training program anticipates additional funding that will be provided by over the next three years by the Center for Medicaid/Medicare (CMS) as well as the State Legislature and revenue from the HHSC clinic and other sponsoring hospitals on the Big Island, Maui and Kauai.

Health care crisis on Big Island

The mayor of Hawai`i County expressed appreciation for the latest initiative to alleviate what has become a health care crisis on the Big Island.

“Last year, I said the health care in the County of Hawaii is in crisis,” said Hawai`i County Mayor Harry Kim. “We are pleased and optimistic that the University Medical School, HMSA, and HHSC-Hilo Medical Center have put together a way to quickly add to the number of family doctors this year.”

Residency program slated to expand to Kona and other Neighbor Island areas

The Family Medicine Residency Program began in 1992 and has graduated six Board Certified physicians each year since 1994. “60% of the graduates are in rural, underserved or academic family Medicine,” said Dr. Allen Hixon, Residency Director, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at JABSOM.

“This is not a short term solution,” Dr. Hixon said. “It is a long range solution, where we envision sending physicians in residency to Maui, Kona, Kauai and Molokai along with added numbers in current program at Wahiawa General Hospital.”

How the initial stages of the residency program will work

Two family physicians will form the backbone of the residency clinical faculty in Hilo. The physicians will develop clinical practices, seeing patients and generating income. The first physician would begin a shared space with one of the other family physicians already practicing in Hilo and would serve as site director to coordinate the Hilo Medical Staff.

Six months later, a second physician will join the Family Medicine Office to increase the number of patients it serves. Each year the UH John A. Burns School of Medicine will rotate graduates into the Hilo program to provide a continuous pipeline of primary care physicians to Hilo and the entire Big Island.

For further information, please contact Gregg Takayama at (808) 382-3212 or greggt@hawaii.edu .

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Ho`ea Ea: Return to Freedom: A Food Sovereignty Conference June 14-17

Hilo will be the scene of a unique gathering focused on food sustainability, Ho`ea Ea: Return to Freedom: A Food Sovereignty Conference from Thursday, June 14 through Sunday, June 17, 2007.

What: A Youth-Centered and Cultural Experience of Sustainability

Where: Hilo, Moku O Keawe, Hawai’i Island

When: June 14-June 17, 2007

Hawaii, Moku O Keawe, is gathering a collaborative of food communities, especially our youth, from Kauai to Hawai’i Island to actively explore, develop, and nurture ‘ho’ea ea’ , a spiritual, physical, and cognitive pathway toward greater well-being and self-sufficiency that will:

build and sustain the inherent human right to food and food production;
strengthen connections between our youth, ‘aina, food, farmers, and communities;
protects and perpetuates our food supply and productive resources including the ‘aina, air, water, and our oceans;
ensure community control over food production areas;
protection of seeds and taro as the basis of food and life itself;
moratorium on any genetically modified crops which debilitates essential genetic diversity of life.

A Unique Four-Day Conference

This unique four-day conference will be gathering youth/students, community members, farmers, professors, scientists, and traditional practitioners from all walks of life, from many disciplines, and a diversity of cultures and experiences to build personal and communal relationships with the ‘aina (land) and each other.

By sharing our collective wisdom and knowledge, we hope to challenge ourselves to make commitments, develop partnerships, plan strategies, and implement innovative solutions to build self-sufficiency and food sovereignty within our families and our communities.

Ma Ka hana ka ‘Ike (It is by doing that we gain knowledge.)

Youth leaders from Kauai, Maui, Molokai, O’ahu and Hawai’i will be at the core of the gathering, helping to inspire and infuse the conference proceedings with their vision of Ho’ea Ea and a food-sovereign future. Youth will also play a vital role in the conference by helping in conference activities including the opening and closing of the plenary sessions as well as serving as Kako’o (helpers) in conference workshops. Other unique features offered in this conference will include:

Pre-conference Day for youth (Thursday, June 14) is meant to ground and engage them in their leadership roles by learning cultural protocol as well as participating in leadership development training led by Mala ‘Ai ‘Opio (MA’O), an ‘aina-based youth leadership training program in Wai’anae, O’ahu;
Plenary Sessions keynote and panel speakers (Friday, June 15) will deepen the conversations and sharing of knowledge by telling us their own stories of food sovereignty and how it can be achieved while being pono (respectful) to the ‘aina, culture, and values;
‘Aina-based workshops that will be active, energetic, and hands-on…designed to connect participants with experts in their respective fields. Activities planned include cooking, classes on bio-fuels and alternative energy, farm-to-school programs, sustainable and organic agriculture, food policy and social justice, youth agricultural development and much, much, more;
Ho’ike’ike (exhibit) tents and booths will feature community and educational materials, cultural practitioners, vendors of fine native art, books, and crafts, as well hands-on demonstrations of composting and vermiculture (using worms to make soil).
Huaka’i Site Visits and Workdays (Saturday, June 16) offer conference participants to visit one of many hands-on community sites and projects that will offer much food for thought and a wealth of information and experiences that can be learned from;
Closing/Summary Plenary and Pa’ina (dinner) will feature the foods that were gathered and prepared by participants. All of the food will be gathered from the ‘aina and kai (the seas) of Hawai’i Island. (Sunday June 17)

Where: The Ho’ea Ea Conference Plenary and workshops will take place at the University of Hawai’i-Hilo Campus, from Thursday, June 14 to June 17, 2007. Those participating in pre-conference activities should plan to arrive on Wednesday, June 13th. Multiple sites for visits will be announced as they are confirmed, however; participants are encouraged to register and reserve their places early. Note: Please dress comfortably for all conference activities as there will be indoor and outdoor activities and spontaneous, active, and energetic learning.

Cost: Full-Conference Registration for Adults will be $125.00*, Youth and Koruna will be $85.00* and includes participation in all 4-days of the conference including workshops, site visits and meals. Airfare, accommodations, and ground transportation are available but reservations are recommended because of limited space. (*To be confirmed.)

Youth scholarships (ages 12-24) are available and organizations are encouraged to send two of their most experienced/committed young people. Please call or email MA’O for registration packets and scholarship applications.

Mahalo to our hosts and sponsors, Hawai’i Moku o Keawe, a consortium of community-based individuals and groups of Hawai’i Island. A special mahalo to Na ‘Oiwi mai Hilo mai. Our partnership network includes MA’O Organic Farms, University of Hawaii at Hilo Agriculture Department, Queen Lili’uokalani Children’s Center, Ka Hana No’eau O Kohala, Leeward Community College, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kohala Center, Kokua Foundation ‘Aina In Schools, Boys & Girls Club-Hilo, etc.

For more information on the Conference Organization and Registration Information, please contact:

MA’O Organic Farm (Summer or Kukui)

P.O. Box 441, Wai’anae, Hawai’I 96792

Office: 696-5569 Cell: 864-9485

Email: waianaeorganic@hawaii.rr.com

For Hawai’i Island Conference and Site Logistics, Volunteers/Donations, please contact: Manu Aluli Meyer or Bodhi Searles at 934-0182.

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Real Property Tax Assessments for 2007-2008 on File, Appeal Deadline Apr 9

Real Property tax assessments for the 2007-2008 tax year have been compiled and are on file at the County of Hawaii, Real Property Tax Office.

A “Notice of Property Assessment” will be mailed to property owners on or before March 15, 2007. Please review the assessment information carefully. The notice of property assessment includes the taxable value placed upon buildings and all other real property and the amount of exemption, if any, allowed on the property.

If you fail to receive the Notice of Assessment, contact the County Tax Office at 961-8201 or 327-3540.

Property owners may come to the Real Property Tax Office to inspect the assessment on their property and to confer with staff members so that errors may be corrected prior to the finalization of the assessment list. The County of Hawaii maintains two offices located in East and West Hawaii. The East Hawaii Office is located at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, Hawaii, and the West Hawaii Office at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 112, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

If you do not agree with the value placed on your property or if you are not allowed an exemption to which you are entitled, an appeal may be filed with the Tax Board of Review or the Tax Appeal Court. If you do not agree with the value placed upon your property as set forth on the Notice of Assessment or if you are denied an exemption to which you are entitled, an appeal may be filed.

A deposit of $15.00 is required for each appeal to the Tax Board of Review. A deposit of $3.00 is required for each appeal to the small claims procedure of the Tax Court. For an appeal to the regular Tax Court, the cost is 5% of the amount of taxes in dispute but no more that $100.00 nor less than $5.00.

The deadline for filing appeals against the 2007 Real Property Tax Assessments is April 9, 2007 in East and West Hawaii.

An appeal may be filed with either the Tax Board of Review or the Tax Appeal Court.

Appeal forms to the Tax Appeal Court are available at the Tax Appeal Court, Box 376, Honolulu, Hawaii 96809 or by calling 1-(808) 539-4777.

Appeal forms to the Tax Board of Review are available at the Real Property Tax Office located at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, Hawaii, or at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 112, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Appeal forms may also be obtained at the County’s Website: www.hawaiipropertytax.com .

Should you have further questions, please call the Real Property Tax Office at 961-8201 (Hilo) or 327-3540 (Kona).

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Kalapana Transfer Station to be Gated Beginning April 2

The County of Hawai`i Solid Waste Division wishes to inform the public that the Kalapana Transfer Station in Puna will be gated beginning April 2, 2007. Security personnel will be available to answer questions and assist residents to ensure compliance with operating regulations. The hours of operation will be from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily.

We want to take this time to remind you that Big Island transfer stations are permitted for collection of household refuse only. Commercial haulers and residents with large loads must take their refuse to the South Hilo and West Hawai`i Sanitary Landfills.

Mahalo for your kokua.

For more information please call Bobby Gonsalves, Solid Waste Operations Superintendent at 961-8514.

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Bridges of the Island of Hawai‘i Featured in Brochure Series

Made of steel, concrete or wood, there are 127 bridges on the Island of Hawai‘i spanning streams or gulches in every community. Maintained by the County of Hawai‘i, each bridge must be 20 feet or longer to be registered on the National Bridge Inventory.

These bridges are now being featured in a series of brochures now being prepared by the County of Hawai‘i. The first brochure showcases the bridges that serve the communities of Kalopa and Pa‘auilo. It includes photographs of each of the 19 bridges, their locations on a map and the weight restrictions for each of these bridges.

Typically, each of the bridges is named after the gulch or stream it crosses. Ten of the bridges in Kalopa and Pa‘auilo are made of wood. Some of them date back to the 1920’s.

To access the brochure on-line, go to the County’s website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on Projects Update , and then click on “Bridges of Kalopa and Pa‘auilo”. The brochure can be printed and is best viewed on 8.5 x 14” (legal) size paper. Copies are also available at the Department of Public Works at 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo.

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Water Conservation Notice – Puakea Bay to Halawa in North Kohala

Due to a breakdown of the Hawi No. 2 Deepwell, the Department of Water Supply urges consumers in the affected area to conserve water while the repairs are being made. A water conservation notice is a voluntary action to reduce water usage by 10%.

Affected Area: Puakea Bay to Halawa, North Kohala, water system.

For customers in the affected area of this Water Conservation Notice, a list of ways to reach the 10% reduction goal is provided:

Wash full loads of laundry only.
Wash full loads of dishes only.
Serve drinking water only when requested.
Do not let the faucet run unnecessarily.
When bathing, use water only to wet and rinse off.
Do not fill up the bathtub.
Use a glass to rinse when brushing your teeth.
Do not flush toilets unnecessarily.
Stop lawn sprinkling.
Stop car and boat washing.
Stop dust control watering.
Use drinking water wisely.

Agricultural users should irrigate only at night from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This measure will reduce water loss due to evaporation and minimize water system drain during peak demand.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Daryl Ikeda of the Department of Water Supply at 961-8790.

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Hisaoka Gym Repairs Update

Hisaoka Gym, a County Parks and Recreation facility in Kamehameha Park in Kapa`au, North Kohala, sustained major structural damage during the October 15, 2006 earthquake.

Extent of the damage

The connections where several of the building’s concrete columns join the steel roof framing were compromised by a loss of concrete around the anchor bolts connecting the two components.

The earthquake also damaged much of the suspended ceiling and many of the facility’s light fixtures. Other damage included broken plumbing fixtures, cracking of walls and broken tiles.

Where are we now?

The County is currently negotiating with FEMA and AIG Insurance Company for repair funding. The Department of Parks and Recreation has recently signed off on FEMA’s project worksheet describing the extent of the damage.

In the meantime, Parks and Recreation has selected a consultant to do the plans and specs to repair, with the emphasis on getting the building structurally sound first, so that the building may be entered safely.

Lots of people want to help

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have offered to help with the cleanup and repairs at Hisaoka Gym. The main objective now is to get the building structurally sound so that any workers or volunteers who want to help can enter the building safely.

Please know that as soon as we can, we will open up the building so that the volunteers can safely enter to offer their help.

For further information, please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 961-8311.

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Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Preservation Commission – Meetings

The Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission is once again holding meetings throughout the County of Hawai`i to provide information on the revised suggestion form that is used to submit suggestions for possible acquisition of lands by the County for the following purposes:

Public outdoor recreation and education, including access to beaches and mountains.
Preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites.
Protection of natural resources, including buffer zones.
Preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas, natural beauty, & agricultural lands.
Protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality & water supply.

The meeting agenda will also include an update on the status of the acquisition of properties on the current priority list.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate in submitting suggestions of lands in the County that should be preserved and/or protected. The meetings will start at 6:00 p.m., at the following sites:


March 13 (Tuesday)	Papa‘aloa Annex
March 13 (Tuesday)	Kea‘au Community Center
March 14 (Wednesday)	Aupuni Center Conference Room
April 3 (Tuesday)	Yano Hall, Kona
April 4. (Wednesday)	Kona Mayor’s office, Hanama Place
April 4 (Wednesday)	Waimea Center
April 9 (Monday)	Cooper Center, Volcano
April 11 (Wednesday)	Na‘alehu Club House
April 11 (Wednesday)	Kohala Cultural Center

For further information, please contact Stacie Waltjen, Secretary at 961-8251.

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County Seeks Permanent Traffic Solution at Honalo Junction

County-imposed traffic restrictions at Honalo Junction have resulted in smoother and quicker evening commutes for motorists headed south. As a result, the County is pursuing a permanent traffic-easing solution at the intersection.

County officials have confirmed that the Honalo Junction restrictions will remain in effect at least until March 31, 2007. Additional extensions could keep the restrictions in place until June.

Test results clearly demonstrate the need to restrict traffic flow from Highway 180 onto Highway 11 at Honalo Junction, according to Bruce McClure, County Director of Public Works. With the restrictions in place, motorists report a smoother commute; they are getting home 10 to 25 minutes faster, he said.

The traffic restrictions, which started January 22, prevent motorists who are traveling south on Old Mamalahoa Highway from entering the south flow of traffic on Highway 11 at the Honalo Junction weekdays from 3:30-6:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Motorists traveling south on Old Mamalahoa Highway are restricted to turning right at the junction, heading them toward Kailua-Kona.

Approximately 750 vehicles per hour move through the Honalo intersection in the afternoons – this averages out to around 2,057 vehicles over the daily three-hour closure, which runs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The busiest times are normally from 5 to 6 p.m. and the lightest from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

If the restrictions are successful in alleviating congestion at the junction, the restrictions could be made permanent.

Another traffic measure which has facilitated the south flow of traffic has been the curtailing of diagonal parking in front of Oshima’s Store in Kainaliu. The diagonal parking in front of Oshima’s store will be closed off from 3:30-6:30 p.m., Mon- Fri. Only parallel parking will be allowed.

McClure said there is a plan to construct a second public parking lot in Kainaliu, makai of the highway, adding 17 more stalls. Currently there is one public parking lot mauka of the highway that offers 46 spaces.

Making the closure of Honalo Junction permanent will involve the State of Hawai‘i, which is part owner of Highway 180, and the Hawai‘i County Council which must approve an application for a County Code amendment.

Approval by the County Council and the State, would give the County highways division permission to make the ‘Right Turn Only’ sign permanent, McClure said.

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Housing Dept to Hold Info Meetings on Home Ownership Option Program

The County of Hawai`i’s Office of Housing and Community Development will be holding informational meetings for Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 program participants about the Homeownership Option Program (HOP).

The HOP is a voluntary program which provides participating families the option of purchasing a home with their assistance, rather than renting.

You must call 959-7476 to reserve a space.

If there is insufficient participation, times may be cancelled or combined.

The presentations are scheduled for:

· Monday, April 16, 2007, at 9 am and at 11 am at Kona Mayor’s office, Hanama Place.

· Wednesday, April 18, 2007. at 9 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm. at Pahoa Community Center.

· Thursday, April 19, 2007, at 11 am and 1:30 pm at 1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 104, Hilo.

· Friday, April 20, 2007 at 11 am and 1:30 pm 1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 104, Hilo.

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EPA Invites Entries in Green Building Design Contest

The following article was contributed by Linda Peters, Recycling Coordinator with the County’s Department of Environmental Management, to encourage Hawai`i Island residents to enter their designs in this green building design competition.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with GreenBuildingBlocks.com, the Building Materials Reuse Association, the American Institute of Architects and West Coast Green, announce the first Lifecycle Building Challenge, a national competition to develop green building strategies and designs.

Such green building designs would aim at reducing waste and promoting conservation of resources, by facilitating adaptation, disassembly and reuse of materials.

One Big Island resident who recently built his own home incorporating green building ideas defined “lifecycle costs”.

“Most often industry ‘experts’ and owners look solely at the initial construction costs and fail to consider repair/maintenance costs, human resources costs, and demolition costs,” the resident said. “For me the exciting part of this (Lifecycle Building) Challenge is the holistic approach at design and the recognition that the initial construction captures only one aspect of the costs and possibly not the most significant portion.”

What’s the goal of the challenge?

The goal of the challenge is to:

Inspire the green building movement;
To look at buildings as future stocks of resources by developing innovative practices and products;
To maximize material recovery and reduce both environmental and economic costs.

"Lifecycle building innovations are about improving the efficiency of our resource utilization and heading towards a more sustainable environment,” said Wayne Nastri, administrator of the U.S. EPA’s Pacific Southwest Office in San Francisco. “This challenge raises the standard for both green building and environmental protection."

How does someone enter the contest? Who can submit entries?

The Lifecycle Building Challenge is currently accepting submissions and is hoping that students as well as architects, designers, engineers, reuse experts and other building professionals will participate. Ideas that facilitate reuse, minimize waste, support disassembly and anticipate the future use of building materials are encouraged.

What is the deadline to register?

The registration deadline is April 15, 2007. For more information or to enter the competition, visit http://www.lifecyclebuilding.org .

What categories of entries are being sought?

The challenge, open to built and un-built work, has three main categories:

Building — an entire building from foundation to roof
Component — a single building assembly, system or connector
Service — idea, policy, tool or practice

What is the award?

GreenBuildingBlocks.com, the only private sector sponsor of the Lifecycle Building Challenge, is donating $7,500 in award money to be divided among the three winners in the student category.

All winners will be honored at an awards ceremony at the West Coast Green Conference in San Francisco in September 2007.

Why green building practices make a difference

In the United States, buildings consume 60 percent of total materials flow (excluding food and fuel) and account for 33 percent of the solid waste stream.

Building renovation and demolition accounts for 91 percent of the construction and demolition debris generated each year, while new construction accounts for only 9 percent.

Between the years 2000-2030, 27 percent of existing buildings will be replaced and 50 percent of the total building stock will be used for construction.

Reuse of materials is key

These issues can be addressed by planning for a building or building component's eventual deconstruction or adaptation. By creating building components that can be easily recovered and reused, materials are kept at their highest value, resulting in reduced consumption of energy and resources.

About GreenBuildingBlocks.com

Green Building Blocks is the leading online resource for building professionals committed to sustainable home construction and green remodeling. It’s a place where builders, contractors, designers, architects, and others can promote their businesses, find green partners and products, and learn to build a better world.

About the Lifecycle Building Challenge

The Lifecycle Building Challenge is a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Institute of Architects, Building Materials Reuse Association and West Coast Green to change the way people think about, design, construct and deconstruct buildings by developing an inventory of strategies to maximize material recovery and reduce environmental and economic costs.

For further information please contact: Andrea Nieto of Access Communications at 1-(415) 844-6218 or anieto@accesspr.com .

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Updated West Hawai‘i Roadway Brochure Available to Public

A newly-updated guide to on-going roadwork in West Hawai‘i is now available to the public. The brochure is available at County offices in east and west Hawai‘i and online at the County’s website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us .

The brochure will be updated regularly, and the latest update (now on yellow paper to distinguish it from its predecessor) is available as of March 1, 2007. The next update to the brochure is planned for March 31, 2007.

The brochure “West Hawaii Road Work Ahead” provides maps and details of 42 projects being planned, under construction or completed in West Hawai‘i. These projects are those taking place between June 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007.

Also included in the brochure is information about the County’s action plan to improve the capacity of north/south roadways.

The maps and projects are numbered and a legend provides information on the project status:

· A - for future;

· B - construction started;

· C - completed and

· D - no date set for construction.

Dotted lines indicate proposed roads and solid lines indicate existing roads.

To access the brochure on-line, go to the County’s homepage, click on Projects Update, and then click on West Hawaii Roadwork Ahead. The brochure can be printed out and is best reproduced on 11” x 17” size paper.

Copies of the brochure are also available at:

Mayor’s office in Kona at 75-5706 Hanama Place, Ste. 103.
Public Works offices in Hilo at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Ste. 7 and in Kona at 75-5706 Hanama Place, Ste.109.
On the Intra Kona Hele-On Buses.
KTA Super Stores in Waimea, Waikoloa Village, Kailua-Kona and Keauhou at the customer service desk.

For round-the-clock information on road work, please call 334-9559. For specifics about a roadway project, contact Bruce McClure, Director of Public Works at 961-8321.

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Real Property Tax Division Taking Applications for Post-Quake Tax Relief

The Hawai`i County Real Property Division encourages property owners with earthquake damages to apply for real property tax relief.

To start the process, please download the application form at www.hawaiipropertytax.com . Real Property Tax assessors will visit the affected properties whose owners apply for such tax relief. Besides damage to buildings, land lost in the earthquake, such as landslides into the ocean, will also be eligible for reassessment.

Substantiating documents of damage such as photographs, contractor’s quotations or appraisals may be submitted at the time of application. The deadline to file applications is June 30, 2007.

Steps to complete the application:

Fill in the Tax Map Key Number of the parcel. This can be obtained from your last tax bill or assessment notice.
Fill in the name and address of the Claimant along with their telephone numbers. Telephone numbers are very important so that the tax office or appraiser can contact you if information is missing, or if an inspection is necessary.
Fill in the type of disaster (Earthquake) and date the quake occurred, October 15, 2006.
Describe exactly what was damaged. Then in the section listing the major building components, fill in the approximate percentage of each category that was damaged. If a particular component was not damaged, leave it blank. (For example, if half of the windows in the house were broken you would put 50% in that box.)
Sign, date and mail in the application by June 30, 2007.

Note: This application is only for real property taxes paid, or due. In all cases, the amount of relief will not reduce the total annual taxes to less than the minimum tax for the parcel. If you are currently paying the minimum tax, please do not complete this form, as no relief will be calculated. The tax relief calculation will be based on the balance of the tax year, October 15, 2006 to June 30, 2007.

Please be advised that the Real Property Tax Office does not assess, or tax, improvements such as retaining walls, fences, landscaping, and driveways. Therefore, damage of this type would not result in any tax relief.

For further information, please call Real Property Tax Division at 961-8201.

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Earthquake Repairs -- How to Apply for Building Permit Waiver

Here is some information regarding who qualifies under the emergency ordinance for waiver of certain requirements and fees for emergency repair work.

A homeowner, partnership or corporation can participate under this ordinance if the structures or buildings were directly affected on October 15, 2006 by the earthquakes.
Emergency repairs and waivers apply to electrical, plumbing, signs, driveway approaches, sidewalks, businesses and homes.
Structures must be restored to their original condition prior to the earthquakes of October 15, 2006.
Electrical and plumbing work must be performed by a licensed electrician and a plumber.
Renovations are not permitted under this ordinance.
Please be aware that a building permit is required and applicants should apply sixty (60) days from the approval of the ordinance.

To qualify for the waiver of certain requirements, the applicant must complete the “Waiver of Certain Requirements Form.” It is available either at Public Works, by fax or online. The form must be completed and brought in at the time they apply for a permit to the Hilo or Kona Public Works offices within sixty (60) days from the approval of the ordinance.

Proof of Earthquake Damage

To qualify for the emergency repair work and take advantage of the waiver, the applicant must show proof that damages were caused by the earthquakes. This can be done by filing an incident report with Civil Defense by calling 935-0031 or online at www.co.hawaii.hi.us . Click on EarthQuake Emergency Information.

Homes that received a green tag following the earthquake may make repairs without a permit. No inspections are required.

How do you get a “yellow tag” (restricted use) declaration removed?

This is a yellow tag that only an inspector with the Building Division of Public Works can remove.

Visit either the Hilo or Kona Building Division of Public Works or call Civil Defense at 961-8604 and give them your name and the district you reside in.

Electrical and plumbing work must be performed by a licensed electrician or plumber.

Structures must be restored to their original condition prior to the earthquakes of October 15, 2006. An inspection by the Building Division of Public Works may be required depending on the extent of damage.

The Building Division of Public Works in Kona or Hilo can answer your questions.

The Kailua-Kona office of the County Department of Public Works is located in Hanama Place at 75-5706 Kuakini Highway; phone 327-3520 for Building Division or 327-3530 for Engineering Division. In Hilo, the office is located at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7; phone 961-8331 for Building Division and 961-8327 for Engineering Division.

Both offices are open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on State holidays.

Helpful tip to make sure you’re hiring a licensed contractor

To verify if a contractor is licensed, and has workers compensation insurance, go to the website for the State of Hawai`i, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at http://plv.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/app .

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Amnesty Bill for Illegal Residential, Ag Structures - Requirements

The County Council has recently passed an Amnesty Bill which will allow the homeowner to apply for permits for illegal structures (residential dwellings R-3 occupancies and agricultural buildings M-1 occupancies) that were constructed and finished before January 1, 2006.

Should you choose to take advantage of the Amnesty Bill, please be aware of the following minimum requirements:

BUILDING

Submit complete architectural drawings which will include but not limited to a site plan, existing floor plan, demolition floor plan, revised floor plan, foundation plan, floor framing plan, section, exterior elevations, details, etc.
All drawings submitted for building permit must be stamped with a seal of a registered architect/structural engineer licensed in the State of Hawaii along with statements “This work was prepared by me our under my supervision” and “Construction of this project will be under my observation.” The architect/structural engineer must also submit a letter certifying that he/she had conducted all inspections during construction and that the construction was done in accordance to the code that the construction was done.

Additions, Alterations and Repairs:

Alterations or repairs, not exceeding 25% of the value of an existing building or structure, which are nonstructural and do not affect any member or part of the building or structure having required fire resistance, may be made with the same material of which the building or structure is constructed.
Additions, alterations and repairs not exceeding 50% of replacement value of an existing building or structure, the new construction shall conform to the requirements of present code enforced.
Additions, alterations and repairs exceeding 50% of replacement value of an existing building or structure, the entire structure shall be made to conform to requirements of present code enforced.
Architect/Structural Engineer is responsible for inspections up to final inspection. The County Building Inspector is responsible to do the final inspection.

Electrical & Plumbing

· A licensed Electrical and Plumbing contractor licensed in the State of Hawaii must perform all work.

· Both permits must be applied for along with the Building Permit application.

· All Electrical and Plumbing Work must conform to the code that is presently being enforced by the County of Hawaii.

· County Electrical and Plumbing Inspectors shall perform all inspections.

Altogether, Three Permits – Building, electrical and plumbing

Two sets of complete drawings stamped by architect/structural engineer along with letter and electrical and plumbing permit applications shall be submitted for permit processing.
All plans must be routed to the other agencies for their approval prior plan review by Building Division.
Building Division shall do plan reviews of all three applications: building, electrical and plumbing.
All three permits will be issued after review is approved and completed.

For further information, please contact Brian Kajikawa, Building Division of the Department of Public Works at 961-8331. The division’s Kona office number is 327-3520.

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Recycling Drop-offs - Update

The following items will now be accepted in the Mixed Recycling drop-off bins at the following County Transfer Stations: Hawi, Honokaa, Keauhou, Laupahoehoe, Pahoa, Pahala, Puako and Waimea.

Okay to Recycle:

· Paperboard or boxboard (cereal, tea, snack food boxes, etc.)

· Plastics #1&#2 (milk jugs, detergent and bleach bottles, etc.)

· Metal cans (Rinsed tuna and cat food cans, soup cans, etc.)

· Newspapers and magazines

· Cardboard and brown paper bags (flattened)

· Mixed office paper and junk mail (No Brites)

· Phonebooks and paperbacks – torn into 3-4 sections

Please note: Materials taken to the Kealakehe, Hilo or the Kea‘au Transfer Stations are still commodity-separated. Please look for signage on where to place recycled materials at these sites.

Thank you for your kokua, as always. For more information, please call 961-8554 or 961-8942.

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Redemption Centers – Hours of Operation

The following is a primer on the State of Hawai`i's beverage container redemption program works, and the location of the County of Hawai’i’s beverage container redemption sites:

Qualifying Beverage Containers:

What’s IN: Eligible (redeemable) beverage containers include: soft drinks, soda, water, juice, tea and coffee drinks, and low alcohol content drinks (beer, malt beverages, wine coolers, mixed spirits) in metal, glass or #1&#2 plastic, 64 oz. or less.

What’s OUT: Ineligible (unredeemable) containers include: milk, wine and liquor containers.

Reminder: ONLY eligible HI5¢ labeled containers can be redeemed.

Qualified beverage containers may be redeemed for cash at the following locations:

**Transfer Station centers closed daily from 1:00-1:30pm for lunch.**

CURRENTLY OPEN	DAYS/HOURS OF OPERATION	OPERATOR

Hawi Transfer Station**	Saturday only: 8 am-4:30 pm.	ARC of Hilo
(Open Saturday only)	(closed for lunch 1:00-1:30)
Hilo, 1260 Kilauea Ave. (Closed 12 noon-1:00 pm)	Tues-Sat 9am-5pm	Reynolds Recycling
Hilo, 30 Maka’ala Street	Mon thru Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm	Atlas Recycling
(Old industrial area)	Sat & Sun: 8:00am-3:00pm

Hilo Transfer Station**	Daily 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo

Honoka`a Transfer Station (Weekends only)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30	ARC of Hilo
Kailua-Kona, Pawai Place	Mon thru Fri: 7:00am-4:00pm	Atlas Recycling
(Old industrial area)	Sat 8:00am-3:00pm
	Sun Closed

Kea’au Transfer Station**	M, W, F: 8:00am-4:30pm	ARC of Hilo
(Closed Tues & Thurs)	Sat & Sun 8:00am-4:30pm